Question:
Me and my husband have a 2 years old male American bobtail cat and a 2 years old German Shepperd. Both taken as kitten and puppy. They are both very loving and me and my husband enjoy them both a lot. Needless to say, I have a preference for my cat and my husband for the dog. Recently, the cat has been showing anymosity towards the dog and he is hissing and showing him the nails in a very menacing way. I know that the dog is very well behaved and would never do any harm to anyone, as a matter fact, he is a bit of a coward. Anyway, I'm concerned that to protect himself he can bite the cat, and it only takes one bite from a dog of his size to tear him apart.
Me and my husband are raising arguments to give away of one of them and so far I'm losing. The only argument I have is that I love my pretty kitty. On the other hand, I understand that my husband loves the dog very much too. What should I do? Someone help.
Answer:
If I'm understanding this correctly they use to get along and now they don't-right? Is it possible a medical condition could be causing this cat to act out suddenly? I think you should rule out any medical problems first before giving up one of the animals. If no medical problems are found, keep them seperate, and start back from square one. If you never leave them alone together, you won't have to worry about the dog hurting the cat or visa versa. I encourage you to do what ever you can to work things out before getting rid of either animal.
Momma to Sophie and Harley the Ragdolls
Also owned by 5 Italian Greyhounds and 2 ferrets
Missing my beautiful babies Gracie and Sheba across the bridge

Answer:
They were both raised togheter, and there is no medical condition since we take them both to the vet regularly. We try reintroducing them to each other and I guess my cat simply don't like the dog anymore. We always kept both indoors and it's impossible not to have them sharing the house equally, but if that was the case, the cat would be shunned by my hubby, since he is the trouble maker. I'm afraid that keeping him always from us can bring resentments to the cat too.
Answer:
Just remember that even though your animals get regular checkups, your kitty can still have something go wrong that was not visible at last checkup. If there is nothing visually wrong, I'd try an animal behaviorist. If your animals got along before and now your cat just doesn't like the dog -- it could be any number of things. The animal behaviorist could evaluation it's environment and pick up on little things or changes that you might have initially not thought mattered. I think it is your best bet if you want your animals to get along again. I know of one at littlebigcat.com who does phone consultations -- he is very good. Maybe he could help you.
If you are dead set on getting rid of one animal, then I'd suggest looking at your futures. Do you want kids? Are you thinking of moving? Which animal would deal better in these situations. Which animal is the most bonded to both of you? I would also try and get a close family member or friend to take the animal so that you could trust them and keep close tabs on the animal.
Julie

Answer:
Would you use the same argument if it was the dog being mean to your cat? If your answer is yes, your husband have a very strong argument. Could the cat be jealous? Do you have kids? Do you think the cat would exhibit the same behavior towards a child? If you think this is possible, out the door he goes.
Don't strain your relationship because of a pet, it's not worth. You can always get another one that is well behaved.
Answer:
I disaggree with something theboyfriend said. An animal is not a library book that you can rent for a while and return when you're done with it to get a new one. When you get an animal, you should realize that to be a good pet owner, you're making a committment for the duration of the animal's life. Through changes, through hard times. Because no animal comes with a guarantee just like people. But unlike boyfriends or girlfriends who you can break up with and move on from, you made a committment to care for this animal, because it cannot care for itself.
I feel like that's what you feel -- you care for both pets. I don't think that giving one of your pets to someone you trust is bad if it's what is best for the animal, or if it's a danger to you. I'm not going to get down on you if that's the case at all. But animals can't talk to us. They can't tell us what's wrong even though they usually have a very good reason. And if you can't figure it out yourself -- then talking to a professional is great. They might save your animal and your companion by speaking for them. They can give you the most options when you feel you've run out. And after all -- this animal's life is your responsibility. You're still taking responsibility for it if you believe the animal would be better off with someone you trust.
Julie

Answer:
just a thought... arnt you the woman of the house hold? ... lay down the law to him ... and well .. coward dog? or protective cat? ... maybe find out why the cat resents the dog now.
http://www.petfreaks.com
http://www.whatispaintball.com
Answer:
Get your cat to the vet to see if anything is wrong with your cat that maybe they looked over. When you rule that out, try to re-associate them together and if that doesn't work it seems best to give your cat away to a good friend or a family member like someone mentioned earlier. Hopefully things work out and you can keep your cat, I know I would never be able to give away my cats! <<))
~Km~
Answer:
Hi Eloisekitty,
As the Behavior consultant that Forjazz was referring to, I urge you to listen to what most are saying here; there is a reason why the cat turned on the dog so suddenly. As suggested, that reason may be behavioral or medical in nature, but it is very rare that a cat, raised with another animal since they were both very young, would just "turn" for no reason.
I think it's a fairly immediate situation, as you suggest, to get to the bottom of. The dog can do a whole world of hurt to your cat in a matter of seconds. But to consider "getting rid" of a pet you're attached to without exploring why the behavior happened in the first place might be just as damaging to you and your husband's relationship than to simply give in. What if this could have been remedied?
Finally, what can I say about boyfriend's input? suggesting that you're putting your relationship in danger and possibly your future children by keeping an unpredictable cat is simply hysteria. One would have to assume your relationship is built on firm enough ground to withstand a trial like this. Personal opinion here, granted, but I think he's just mad at this whole forum for some reason and letting it out on your thread. And I'll leave it there.
I hope you seek assistance, whether medical, behavioral or a combination, And keep us all posted!
visit us!
www.littlebigcat.com
Answer:
Eloisekitty,
I have to agree with Littlebigcatdaddy here and add a little of my personal experience to the mix.
My partner did not like my cat when we got together and insisted I get rid of him. I couldn't do that. I did consider it because I love my fiance and, in my opinion, my relationship with him is more important than having a pet. I thought about it for a long time and in the end decided not to get rid of Sabastion. I explained to Justin that if I got rid of Sabby that I would forever resent that he made me do it. I love my cat. To be forced to give away something I love so much would have ruined my relationship with my fiance. I would no longer have a cat and the relationship would not have lasted.
I've been lucky that over the years Sabby and Justin have come to really love one another. Sometimes I think Sabastion loves Justin even more than he loves me.
Please consider how you will feel in the future if you decide to rehome your animal. As someone else suggested, if you do decide to rehome your cat, try to put it with someone you know.
Answer:
As usual, I agree with littlecatbigdaddy. It would be troubling to think that a relationship would come to an end over something (that can be fixed) like this....Talk to a behavior specialist. Contrary to theboyfriend, whom is now emulating David Letterman (minus the humor), animals should not be treated like video rentals at your local Blockbuster or whatever video outlet is in your area. Just because people refer to themselves, sometimes, as pet "owners" does not entitle you to make hastily thought out decisions about the pet's life because you "own" it. You are the parent of the pet, you are responsible for making well thought out/quality decision for what's ultimately best for both you and your pet. What happens if you have 2 children that don't get along? Will that cause a strain on your relationship? Or would you be able to sit down and come up with solutions to alleviate the problem is the best way for everybody, not just one person. I'm not saying you, the original poster, are this way. I sense your frustration and concern for your baby. My advice would be to have a long talk with your significant other regarding this situation. There are plenty of solutions/alternatives available to you, in lieu of sending your animal off somewhere else.
I would advise people that feel like they are "owners" and treat their animals in a Stalin type fashion, to watch the Lion King. We are all part of the circle of life, and should respect all of it. Perhaps someday these people will be brought back to life as homeless, unloved animals...and they will see what happens when you treat animals like yesterday's newspaper!
Answer:
Annissa is right I would do everything you could to including talking to the professionals. Only as a last resort would I consider removing either animal from the house. I think you will do more to hurt your relationship by caving in than by trying the hard road.
As far as "theboyfriend" goes its unclear to me why he comes to this forum. Its pretty obvious he doesnt consider the responibility pets in his house anything more that something to dispose of at the point that they are not fully functional.
Answer:
eloisekitty;
I think it is very odd that all the sudden your kitty does not like your dog? I am curious if anythinng may have happened to affect his attitude toward the dog. What that may be I would have no idea.
Is the behavior of your cat really so threatining to your dog that you would really have to get rid of your cat? I only ask because I have 5 cats and a large dog (chow mixed with lab) My dog has at times been an aggresive dog, however he never hurts his family and that includes his cats. Sometimes the cats will annoy him, especially the kittens. However he will only growl or sometimes he jumps up with a bark, just to let the cats know they are bothering him, he never bites them.
theboyfreind;
I am glad you decided to post agian at the forum, I think sometimes we need a new prospective on things. I do wish you would try to be less critical of what people say, the way I see it a forum is intended to give several point of views. We may not always agree with someone elses point, however we only asked the initail question so that we may hear others thought on the subject. Your opinion is no more important than someone elses.
I also want to say, I agree that it is not right to get an animal and then just give them away when most convenient for you. I think before a person even decides to get an animal, they should weigh all consequences and decide if this is a commitement they are willing to make for 15 or more years.
I do agree with finding a new home for our animals in some situations, If this is something you have really thought over and you think it is in the best interest of your animal to find it a better home than do so...just make sure you are finding it a better home and only a better home!
I think theboyfreind should find his cat a better home, I have two children and 5 cats ect.... My children have been raised around animals all their lives. They know how to behave towards an animal. As well as my animals know how to behave towards them. My animals live indoors and are not shut out of any rooms.
If my daughters get scratched by one of my cats it is not the cats fault, it is my daughters fault for doing somethin to hurt the cat. They have been scratched before, however so few and far between because they know how to treat animals.
Lilly
(amazing artwork by ForJazz)
click here to feed a homeless and hungry animal for free!
Answer:
Eloise, I can't quite understand why you think you ought to get rid of the cat. It has been fussy with the dog, but has it actually DONE anything? My mom has 2 cats and a dog, and one of the cats is kind of nuts, hissing and swiping at the dog, but at the end of the day they bed down and sleep together. The cat has never hurt the dog, and the dog never hurts the cat.
Pets don't always get along, just a children and people don't either, but that doesn't mean that they will be violent. You and your husband both have responsibilties to both pets, not just the one you brought into the relationship. If he won't give up his dog, why should you have to relinquish your cat?
I would bet that, with a camera and a little research, you will discover that the dog is really the one harrassing the cat. The cat is reaching an age where playing is not as interesting, but the dog is probably still quite youthful and energetic. I would try some play therapy with both the cat and dog separately, give them both a bath with the same shampoo, and try a behaviorologist. I wish you and your cat much luck.
Answer:
I agree that it is very sad that one of you should have to give up your pet. I know several cat/dog households were they don't get along perfectly and never have. In one case the cat just never really took to the dog and leaves the room or hisses when the dog comes near. The dog, which happens to also be a German Sheppard, likes the cat, just not the other way around. Their owners have accepted it and just accept each pet as they are.
I know it would be best if your pets got along, but I don't think that is always possible. Is your husband afraid the cat will actually hurt the dog? I can't imagine a cat being able to harm a German Sheppard.
Only you can decide what you need to do, good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Lori and Velvet